Broward County is strengthening its efforts in the fight against climate change by hosting a Resilience Finance Convening from today through Thursday, in partnership with the Resilient Cities Network. Leaders from cities around the world, along with finance experts and private sector representatives, are gathering to discuss how to strategically attract large-scale capital for local resilience ventures. The focus is on creating impactful capital planning, reducing risks, and implementing finance strategies that bolster investments to meet the challenges of climate change head-on.
According to Broward County's announcement, the forum will serve as a hub where resilience chiefs from multiple cities can together share and explore opportunities for portfolio-based capital planning. This gathering of experts aims to expand resilience finance and support long-term strategies for different communities. Broward County is also working to highlight its efforts to reduce flood risk and ensure economic stability as it finalizes a comprehensive resilience plan.
Mayor Beam Furr of Broward County emphasized the importance of collaboration and diverse financial approaches for a resilient future, stating in a press release, "This knowledge exchange is an opportunity to learn from one another, build new partnerships, share successes, and accelerate solutions to ensure our communities have the resources needed for a stronger, more resilient future." Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Lauren Sorkin, Executive Director of Resilient Cities Network, highlighted that investing in urban resilience is significantly less costly than dealing with the consequences of inaction and being unprepared for crises.
Joining the Resilient Cities Network as the 101st member in late 2023, Broward County has been actively involved in resilience efforts led by Dr. Jennifer Jurado, Chief Resilience Officer. The department she directs is crucial in strengthening community resilience through a suite of environmental, planning, and community-focused initiatives. The Resilient Cities Network brings together over 100 cities to share knowledge, and practices, and to collectively push forward climate resilience, circular economies, and equity-driven solutions.
